A king had many elephants, but one elephant was very powerful, very obedient, sensible and skillful in everything especially his fighting skills. In many wars, he was sent on the battlefield and he used to return only after getting victory for the king. Therefore, he was the most loved elephant of the king.
Time went by and there came a time when the elephant started getting old. Now he was not able to perform as before. Therefore, now the king did not even send him to the battlefield but he still remained as a part of the king’s team.
One day the elephant went to a lake to drink water, but unfortunately his feet got stuck in the mud there and he went on sinking. He tried a lot, but he could not remove himself from the mud. People came to know from the sound of his screams that the elephant was in trouble. The news of the elephant trapped also reached the king. All the people, including the king, gathered around the elephant and made various efforts to get him out. But alas, even after trying for a long time, there was no way out.
At that time, Gautama Buddha was passing by. Gautam Buddha stopped and inspected the site of the incident and then suggested to the king that the battle drums should be played around the lake. The listeners felt shocked at the bizarre suggestion as to how the trapped elephant would come out by playing the battle drums. But they could not say anything to Gautam Buddha and started playing the drums.
As soon as the drums of war started ringing, there was a change in the gestures, behaviour and determination of the troubled elephant.
At first, the elephant slowly stood up and then gradually used his force and intelligence and before long, came out of the mud on his own, shocking everyone.
Gautama Buddha smiled and said “There was no lack of physical ability in the elephant, but only the need to infuse enthusiasm, Motivation and Will within it was missing. To maintain enthusiasm in life, it is necessary that humans maintain purposeful thinking and do not let despair dominate their thoughts…!!!”
In today’s tough times we all need to enthuse ourselves & people around us with Hope & enthusiasm by playing, if need be the BATTLE DRUMS, that we will again Celebrate Abundance of Joy, Health & Happiness.
REMEMBER: THIS TOO SHALL PASS!!
Spread Happiness!!!
Pain is inevitable, Suffering is optional
Gautam Buddha
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